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Round 1 - Referee Herb Dean in charge. Pichel takes the center of the cage early, but he does give Saunders enough room to kick. That changes 30 seconds in, and Pichel looks to shoot in for a takedown. Saunders defends and spins off the cage, winding up in top position when they hit the floor in a scramble. Saunders looks to posture and strike. Pichel uses the fence and works to his feet. Saunders initially stays tied to the back but decides to walk away and reset. Jabs traded before Pichel drops for a single. It's not there, but a second effort finally gets the fight to the ground. However, Saunders immediately sweeps over and stands. Final minute of a close opening round. Pichel moving forward but not landing much more than his opponent. Round ends there. Could go either way, but MMAjunkie.com leads slightly toward Saunders, 10-9.

Round 2 - Similar start to the second, but Pichel shoots earlier this time around. Saunders just as capable in defense this time around, and he stays on his feet. Saunders lands a knee to the jaw, but Pichel continues to press in. He scores a takedown, but Saunders again will not stay on the floor and immediately stands, moving to the back. Saunders looks for his own takedown, and Pichel's nose is bleeding. Saunders can't get the takedown, and it's a stalemate in the clinch. It's definitely the grinding fight Cruz wanted. They finally separate, and Pichel goes to town with a flurry of crisp punches. Saunders feels it, but he recovers quickly. Still, he lets Pichel get inside. Final minute, and Saunders again scrambles out. This time, he gets his hooks in and takes the back. He's too high and slips off. They finish the round swinging, and Pichel again gets the best of it. MMAjunkie.com sees the second for Pichel, 10-9.